American Lasagna

The very first time I made American Lasagna, it felt like a rite of passage. I had gathered my family around the table, and the aroma of melting cheese and simmering sauce filled the air, instantly drawing everyone into the kitchen. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings loved ones together. I remember my grandmother’s recipe, which had been passed down through generations, and how it made every family gathering feel special. That first slice of American Lasagna, with its layers of hearty meat and rich cheese, felt like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for American Lasagna

Cooking is all about balance, and the ingredients for American Lasagna work together beautifully. The hearty ground Italian sausage adds richness, while the creamy cottage cheese provides a lovely texture. Each layer builds on the last, resulting in a dish that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavors.

• 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage: This is the flavor base that gives the lasagna its depth. Cook until brown for the best taste.
• 24 oz Cottage Cheese: This will be mixed with eggs to create a rich, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
• 3 Eggs: These bind the cheese mixture together, contributing to a fluffy texture.
• 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for that gooey, melty top layer that everyone loves.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp flavor and a nice crust when baked.
• 48 oz Pasta Sauce: The sauce ties everything together, providing moisture and flavor throughout the dish.
• 16 oz Regular Lasagna Noodles: These form the structure of the lasagna. Uncooked noodles will soften beautifully during baking.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds a fresh touch and a pop of color.

How to Assemble American Lasagna

Making American Lasagna is an enjoyable task that fills your home with amazing aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s ready to impress.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. A properly heated oven is essential for even cooking.
2. Brown the Sausage: Place 1 lb of ground Italian sausage into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is thoroughly browned, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. This step is crucial for infusing your lasagna with flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 24 oz of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Set the bowl aside. The eggs will help bind the cheeses and create a fluffy texture.
4. Layer the Lasagna: Take a deep 9×13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom (this helps prevent the pasta from drying out and sticking). Place a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking some noodles if necessary to ensure the entire pan bottom is fully covered.
5. Add the Filling: Over the uncooked noodles, add another 1 cup of pasta sauce, followed by half of the browned sausage, half of the prepared cheese mixture, and another 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This layering technique builds flavor and texture.
6. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the same sequence of 1 cup of pasta sauce, the remaining half of the sausage, the remaining half of the cheese mixture, and 1 more cup of mozzarella cheese. Ensure even layering for a perfect bite.
7. Final Layer: Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and spread the remaining pasta sauce over the top, making sure to cover all the noodles.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. This helps the noodles cook through while keeping everything moist.
9. Add Final Cheese Layer: After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the lasagna with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Return the lasagna to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Cooking should be fun and creative! Here are some pro tips to elevate your American Lasagna experience.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly and it will keep for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adjusting the time accordingly.
• Pairing: Serve your American Lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Variation: If you prefer a lighter version, consider using zucchini slices instead of lasagna noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends, like adding ricotta or using a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a unique flavor.

Serving This American Lasagna

Serving American Lasagna can be just as exciting as making it. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Ideal Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or casual dinner parties. It never fails to impress!
• Accompanying Sides: Pair with a crisp salad, garlic or herb breadsticks to complement the rich flavors of the lasagna.
• Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to four days and make for a great lunch option.
• Serving Temperature: Serve hot from the oven, allowing it to cool for a few minutes before slicing to achieve perfect pieces.
• Seasonal Pairing: This comforting dish shines in winter, so warm it up on a chilly evening, perhaps alongside a glass of iced tea.

FAQ

Conclusion

American Lasagna is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. Its layers of rich flavors and oozy cheese create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making it and share it with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!

American Lasagna

The ultimate comfort food, American Lasagna is layered with rich flavors and gooey cheese, making it a perfect dish for gatherings. With its hearty ingredients and satisfying taste, it's the ideal easy weeknight dinner. Try this recipe tonight!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
• 24 oz Cottage Cheese
• 3 Eggs
• 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese divided
• 48 oz Pasta Sauce divided
• 16 oz Regular Lasagna Noodles uncooked
• 1 Chopped Fresh Parsley optional, for serving

Equipment

• 9 x 13 baking pan

Method

 

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
2. Brown the Sausage: Place 1 lb of ground Italian sausage into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the sausage is thoroughly browned then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 24 oz of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Set bowl aside.
4. Layer the Lasagna: Take a deep 9×13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom (This helps pasta from drying out and sticking). Place a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking some noodles if necessary to ensure the entire pan bottom is fully covered.
5. Add the Filling: Over the uncooked noodles, add another 1 cup of pasta sauce, followed by half of the browned sausage, half of the prepared cheese mixture, and another 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the same sequence of 1 cup of pasta sauce, the remaining half of the sausage, the remaining half of the cheese mixture, and 1 more cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Final Layer: Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and spread the remaining pasta sauce over the top.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.
9. Add Final Cheese Layer: After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the lasagna with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Return the lasagna to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

• Variation: If you want to use Ricotta cheese over cottage cheese, combine 30 oz. of Ricotta with 2 eggs, mix well and substitute in all places that mention cottage cheese in recipe.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.